|
Forums26
Topics35,524
Posts417,639
Members6,176
| |
Most Online4,112
Mar 25th, 2025
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,268
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,268 |
And by the way:
As of the end of 2001, there were 45,191 Catholic priests (East and West) in the U.S.: 30,223 diocesan and 14,968 religious, down from 57,317 in 1985 and 58,632 in 1965. (There are more than 408,000 Catholic priests worldwide.)
Only 509 priests were ordained in the U.S. last year, compared to 994 in 1965. There were 3,483 major seminarians (graduate level) in 2001, from a pool of around 63 million Catholics, compared to 8,483 in 1965.
Highest percentage increase in priestly vocations was in Africa (more than 200%); but in terms of actual numbers, India had almost 10,000 in major seminaries from a pool of only 16 million Catholics, followed by the Philippines with almost 9,000 but from a pool of 65 million or so Catholics.
I join you in praying for more priestly vocations.
AmdG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14
Junior Member
|
|
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14 |
Originally posted by Robert K.:
I have discenerned a vocation to the priesthood yet because of lack of any support, do not know who to turn to with such matters? Unfortunatly, the Byzantine Metropoli is nothing like its sister Roman rite Church in grabbing up possible seminary canidates and helping them sort things out.
Perhaps it is Gods will that I not become a priest?
Besides, anyone who has read my previous post to this forum can probably tell that I would not fit in with the "spirit of the times" that has swept through the Church on certain issues. But what can I do, I cannot change that which I hold as truth in exchange for the worlds comforts? Indeed, in the end, its all up to God as to what my fate will be.
Robert K.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14
Junior Member
|
|
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14 |
Originally posted by Robert K.:
I have discenerned a vocation to the priesthood yet because of lack of any support, do not know who to turn to with such matters? Unfortunatly, the Byzantine Metropoli is nothing like its sister Roman rite Church in grabbing up possible seminary canidates and helping them sort things out.
Perhaps it is Gods will that I not become a priest?
Besides, anyone who has read my previous post to this forum can probably tell that I would not fit in with the "spirit of the times" that has swept through the Church on certain issues. But what can I do, I cannot change that which I hold as truth in exchange for the worlds comforts? Indeed, in the end, its all up to God as to what my fate will be.
Robert K. Dear Robert K. Have you ever read the poem "The HOund of Heaven" by Francis Thompson? If you haven't please do. Not necessarily for the poetry, but for the message. In short: If God calls you, you go period! No matter how hard you try to talk yourself out of it.....Kinda like Uncle Sam saying on that poster of WWII fame: I want you." He will get you through any hurdles. Don't worry about "fitting in with the spirit of the times." Just allow the Holy Spirit this Pentecost Sunday to mould you into a candidate for the priesthood. Question your worthiness? By all means. So did I. But if God calls you.....there is nothing you or others can do that can get in God's way if HE wants you. Pray, reflect on the priesthood....not what others think about it! Email me if you wish for other "words of wisdom!"
|
|
|
|
|
